RESULTS
MOREHEAD, Ky. -- The Morehead State men's tennis team ended a six-match losing streak in grand fashion Friday, knocking off Ohio Valley Conference preseason co-favorite Belmont 4-3 at the EAGLE Center.
Morehead State improved to 3-10 overall and 1-2 in the conference, while the Bruins slid to 6-6 overall and 1-1 in the league.
"We played with a lot of intensity today," Head Coach Kevin Fulton said. "I am really proud of the leadership on this team. Players are stepping up and accepting their roles."
Sophomore Ritchie Kruunenberg upset 2013-14 OVC Player of the Year Mauricio Antun 6-4, 6-2 at No. 1 in the singles matchups. Antun, a transfer from Virginia Tech, was 9-0 last year in league singles contests and 1-0 this year. Kruunenberg also teamed with sophomore Gabriel Ruiz to best Antun and Marko Lovrinovic, 8-6, at No. 1 doubles.
The Eagles secured the crucial doubles point when freshman Sabastian Penaloza and junior Nick Mercer edged Cedric Dujacquier and Robin Demasse 8-7 at No. 2.
In singles, Mercer rallied past Demasse 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 on court four, and junior Enrique Samudio outlasted Geoff Tulloch 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 at No. 6.
"Ritchie and Nick played amazing today," Fulton said. "I am so proud of Enrique too. To go from a rarely-used player in the lineup the past few years to playing with such veracity was a huge pick up for the team."
Morehead State returns to action Saturday hosting Tennessee State.
